Magic Boxes Called Variables
Computer Science for Kids
What is a Variable?
A variable is like a magical box where you can store things and give it
a special name! Just like you have a toy box for your toys, variables
are boxes in the computer where we keep information.
1 1. Understanding Variables
Think of variables like labeled boxes:
⋆ Your lunchbox has your name on it
⋆ Your cubby at school has your name
⋆ Each drawer in your room might hold different things
scoreBox nameBox
100 ”Alex”
ageBox
10
1
isPlayingBox levelBox
true 5
colorBox
”blue”
2 2. Variables Can Change!
Just like you can put different things in your backpack each day, variables
can change their values!
coinsBox
collect spend
50 −−−→ 75 −−−→ 60
Example:
→ scoreBox = 0 (Game starts)
→ scoreBox = 10 (You got points!)
→ scoreBox = 25 (You got more points!)
Activity: Watch It Change!
Help Mario track his coins through the game:
⋆ marioCoins = 0 (Start)
⋆ marioCoins = (Collected 5 coins)
⋆ marioCoins = (Collected 3 more coins)
⋆ marioCoins = (Lost 2 coins)
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3 3. Different Types of Variables
Variables can hold different kinds of things:
Number Box Text Box
42 ”Hello”
Yes/No Box
true
Examples:
• Number variables: age, score, temperature
• Text variables: name, favoriteColor, bestFriend
• Yes/No variables: isHappy, canPlay, hasWon
Fun Exercises!
Exercise 1: Create Your Own Variables
Fill in the blanks to create variables about yourself:
• myGrade =
• myTeacherName =
• numberOfSiblings =
• favoriteSport =
• canSwim =
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Exercise 2: Story Time with Variables!
Help complete this story by filling in the variables:
⋆ heroName =
⋆ heroAge =
⋆ heroPower =
⋆ isHeroStrong =
The story reads: ”Once there was a hero named (heroName). They
were (heroAge) years old. Their special power was (heroPower). Was
the hero strong? (isHeroStrong)!”
Remember!
⋆ Variables are like labeled boxes
⋆ They can store different types of information
⋆ Their values can change
⋆ Always give them clear names that make sense
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Bonus Fun!
Draw a picture of your favorite variable as a labeled box and what it
contains!
